Do you have a considerable list of books that you reading for this year?

December is just hours away and my heart is overwhelmed because before the year ends, I finally got the book that I’ve been dreading to have since it was released last June.

When I saw The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler from a blogger’s site, I was hoping to own a copy. The title is very catchy and the cover is just too hard to endure!

I actually planned to buy one because I was very persistent for it to be one of my book recommendations. It was sold out at National Book store when I inquired for it. Yet, I have not given up. I tried at Fully Booked and there was only one copy left.The problem: It is hardbound and costs 684 PHP.

I wanted it badly that I reserved for it under my name. I went home thinking about how to be able to purchase it and then I remembered that I still have Fully Booked’s 500 gift certificate! I immediately went back the other day, bought the book and it didn’t disappoint me.

A beautiful girl that sings like a siren, lost her voice and cannot even speak found a sanctuary where a mermaid existed.

A charming playboy who loves his younger brother very much will do anything to save the place that he calls home.

Two souls met and helped each other in the greatest challenge of their lives; will they find what they’ve been looking for?

What I like about the story:The brave and kind-hearted Elyse d’ Abreau. It is difficult to lose the most precious thing in your life; especially you almost reach for your dream. That was what Elyse felt when she lost her voice. It was gone accidentally to save her life, but it also made her not confident with herself and she felt like she was dying. Everything changed when she lived in Atargis Cove, where she found out that her inner voice is stronger than what happened to her past.

Beneath the famous Christian Kane’s face. He might be the most handsome creature Elyse and the other ladies of Atargis ever laid eyes on but this guy is the perfect example of more than meet the eyes. The real Christian is too damn irresistible! I can’t blame you Elyse.

The Pirate Regatta and Chasing the Mermaid! Facing your biggest fear like Elyse was difficult. She hated sailing and scared of sea, yet she conquered it by joining Christian aboard the infamous The Queen… Sebastian, Christian’s brother is so adorable that he truly believes that Elyse is a mermaid! The search for the mermaid is on and reaching the finish line for the Cove’s sailing competition is not going to be easy.

Quotes to remember!

Lemon to Elyse“It takes a strong woman to lose everything, then stand naked in front of the mirror and face herself again. You need time, honey. And I don’t mean time for it to go away. I mean time to learn how to live with it. This is a pain you’ll always carry.”

“You’ve lost your ability to speak, to sing. But the only thing that can take your voice away-your true voice- is you.”

Atargis to Elyse“Love requires great sacrifice. You must give something up to get something in return. It is the way of all things, Elyse. Life, death, life again.”

Love has its own cost, its own sacrifices, yes. But in its true form, love is borne of neither spell nor bargain. –So true!

But maybe clarity was like love, shooting through you when you least expected it, when you finally stopped seeking it.

When one dream burns to ash, you don’t crumble beneath it. You get on your hands and knees, and you sift through those ashes until you find the very last ember, the very last spark. You breathe. And you make a new fire.

Verdict:There are lots of beautiful and meaningful lessons that I learned from this incredible novel. Elyse uplifts my confidence and faith with my strength more. Sarah Ockler, I’m grateful that you wrote this book! I love it! You are clever and amazing writer!